| | MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl receiver Randy
Moss got hit a second time for abuse of game officials; this time a
$40,000 for squirting a water bottle at an official.
| |  | | Moss |
The NFL said Thursday the latest fine resulted from Moss'
conduct in the Vikings' 49-37 loss to the St. Louis Rams in an NFC
divisional playoff game Sunday. The league also confirmed Thursday
that it had fined Moss $10,000 earlier for excessive verbal abuse.
The lanky wide receiver, standing near the Minnesota bench
during the fourth quarter at the Trans World Dome in St. Louis,
squirted liquid from the bottle at field judge Jim Saracino
following an incomplete pass intended for him. Vikings spokesman
Bob Hagan said the bottle most likely contained water.
The St. Louis game fine was so high because it was the second
violation this year against Moss for abuse of game officials, the
league said. The amount for a second offense is up to the NFL
commissioner.
Moss was fined $10,000 for excessive verbal abuse of side judge
Larry Rose during a game against the Chicago Bears on Nov. 14. In
that game, he was flagged after Cris Carter caught his third
touchdown of the day and Moss continued to argue with an official
about a call on the previous play.
"Players, coaches, and other club personnel must maintain
proper respect for game officials at all times," the NFL said in a
statement.
Moss' agent, Dante' DiTrapano, said both fines are being
appealed.
"Our position is that the fine is excessive and that we are in
the process of appealing it," DiTrapano said of the $40,000
penalty. He said Moss would not comment.
Moss acknowledged the squirting after the game but has said
little about it. It happened after there was contact on a long pass
and Moss unsuccessfully lobbied for a defensive interference
penalty.
"There were some things going on," Moss said after the game.
"I don't really want to talk about it."
Moss is the third Viking to be fined this season. In November,
defensive end Duane Clemons was fined $7,500 for punching Dallas
Cowboys tackle Flozell Adams below the belt. The same month, Cris
Carter was fined $5,000 for spiking a football that hit an official
in the nose during a San Diego Chargers game.
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